A Greener Thanksgiving - 5 Delicious & Healthy Options

Posted by Chris Wright on November 17, 2016

Image via The Cozy Apron

Turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, that weird, sort of gross in a good way green bean casserole, Thanksgiving is a time for (1) giving thanks and (2) gluttony. We’re not sure how your families operate, but we’ve realized that greens are not really something we see a lot around the Thanksgiving table. So instead of bringing a third dessert option this year, consider one of these show-stopping salads instead and enjoy a tasty and healthier holiday!

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad. If you’ve never eaten raw brussels sprouts, do yourself a favor and make this salad. The texture of shredded sprouts is so satisfyingly crunchy, this salad will become an instant favorite. Plus these tiny cabbages are packed with antioxidants; cholesterol-fighting fiber; vitamins a, k and c; and melatonin-promoting folate. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish to the big dinner.

Kale and Crispy Chickpea Salad. Hearty, savory, slightly spicy and simple, this recipe is AMAZING for people who want to show up with something festive: the spiced chickpeas turn out a beautiful, deep orange color. Plus, this guy is packed with protein, fiber, and all the other nutrients we know and love in kale.

Image via Minimalist Baker

Arugula and Lentil Salad. Let’s talk turkey. Actually, let’s talk tofurkey. A lot of vegetarians and vegans do not want fake meat on the holidays. That’s where this salad comes into play. at a whopping 20 grams of protein per serving, this is the main course of salads. Did we mention it’s delicious?

Apple and Walnut Salad. Satisfy your sweet tooth with this guy. Frisee, arugula, candied walnuts and honey crisp apples? Yes. All of the yes. We like to go for this salad at the end of the meal when that pumpkin pie is tempting us. We won’t give in. We have a sweet salad.

Crispy Kale Salad with Brie Croutons. Are you the family member who likes to squash everyone else’s dishes around the holidays? Do you want to be able to say, “that.. oh, it only took me three hours and a million ingredients. Yeah, I made the dressing. Yeah, i just made that GRILLED CHEESE to put on top of the SALAD”? Then make this. Because it’s amazing.

We hope this post inspired you to make your holiday a little bit healthier. After all, Thanksgiving is all about appreciating the things you have, so why not give thanks to your body this year?